WHAT MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT·

Dr. Dana Farnsworth of Harvard University and 36 other experts in the mental health field recently undertook to define what mental health is and dispell the "many misconceptions" surrounding it. The definition turned out to be a 9-way test for "what mental health is not", according to Edwin Diamond, International News Service science writer.

Here is the definition:

1. It is not adjustment under all circumstances. There are many circumstances to which a person should not adjust; otherwise there would be no progress.

Anxiety

2. It is not freedom from anxiety and tension. and tension are often prerequisites and accompaniments of creativity and self-preservation.

3. It is not freedom from dissatisfaction. satisfaction progress ensues.

From dis-

4. It is not conformity. The mature person has the ability to stand apart from the crowd when conditions indicate. Mental health is characterized by relative freedom from cultural and personal biases.

5. It is not constant happiness. In this imperfect world a sensitive, mature person often experiences unhappiness.

6. It is not lessening of accomplishment and creativity. Mental health is characterized by the ability of the individual to use his powers even more fully.

7. It is not the absence of personal idiosyncrasies. Many such idiosyncrasies which do not interfere with function enrich the life of the individual and those who come

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